Eureka to hold general plan update workshop; community encouraged to provide comments

The community is invited to attend a workshop on Tuesday as Eureka begins to update its general plan -- or vision for the city.

At the meeting, people will be briefed on the process, given a chance to offer input on various topics including homelessness and residential neighborhoods, and an opportunity to answer questions, such as "What do you like most about Eureka?" and "Where are places you would like to see change or improvement?"

"We want to know what the community thinks of where (Eureka) is now, and where it wants to see changes," Community Development Department Principal Planner Lisa Shikany said. "We're getting input that Eureka has so much potential, and we hope the general plan realizes that. In order to fully identify what that potential is, and to help us realize that through the update, (the community) needs to participate."

"It's the community's general plan, not ours," Community Development Director Rob Wall added.

The plan, which will cost the city about $1.1 million to pay for consultant Environmental Science Associates, is a vision document that will provide a legally robust framework for future land use changes and guide the city's growth, revitalization and conservation over the next 25 years, according to staff.

Economic development, sea level rise and industrial development are among the topics that will be addressed. An annexation feasibility study to examine unincorporated areas the city might consider annexing into city limits will also be included, Shikany said.

Councilman Mike Newman said it's a little preliminary, but he wants to see zoning included to make it easier for businesses to be issued permits.

City staff plans to hold four community workshops at key points in the update. There also will be seven virtual town halls.

The plan is expected to be complete in 2016.

If you go:

What: Eureka General Plan Update workshop

When: Tuesday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka

On the web: People can learn more about the update process, and submit comments in the first virtual town hall at http://www.eureka2040gpu.com. Comments can be submitted starting Monday through Feb. 24.